Hey everyone,
I got a request the other day to write a post on how to keep you hair healthy and happy. Let's face it, who doesn't want hair that is worthy of being in a L'Oreal ad (I do!), so here are some small changes you can make to your hair care routine, in order to help make - and keep - you hair soft and silky:
1 - How often should you wash your hair?
Remember; this mostly depends on your schedule, and the type of hair that you have. Try to wash it between 2 and 4 times per week, and don't over wash it (by that I mean shampooing it 4 times). Also remember that the natural oils in your hair are there for a reason - to protect it. Ideally you should be only washing it 2 or 3 times, and 4 if it gets greasy easily. NEVER wash your hair every day, and avoid using really hot water when washing your hair.
2 - Avoid curling/straightening it too often
This sounds obvious, but is so easy to forget about. I know the amount of times that I have 'experimented' with my curlers, when I'm not going out, or even seeing anyone that day. This also includes blow-drying your hair, where it is best to leave it until at least half dry, before getting out your hair dryer. Always use your heat tools on the lowest setting possible, and remember to use heat protectant. I would personally recommend the
Tresseme heat protectant spray. To add waves to your hair without heating it, wash it in the evening, and then braid it before you go to bed. The tighter you do the braids, the more frizzy your hair will be when you take it out in the morning.
3 - Use a hair mask
Most of you have heard me rave about Coconut oil before, which is also really good for your hair. When you go in the shower or bath, put around two teaspoons in a jar, with the lid on, and run it under the hot water until it melts. Then, after shampooing your hair, gently massage the oil into you hair. Leave it to sit for around 5 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly (and I mean thoroughly - otherwise it makes your hair damp-looking until you next wash it).
4 - Brushing/Combing
Brush you hair twice a day, for maximum glossy-ness, and always comb it after washing, rather than using a brush. Try to brush your hair from the bottom to the top, and be as gentle as you can - your hair is not a horse's tail, so don't treat it like one. Also, use different brushes for different styles, and keep all your brushes clean, to make them - and your hair - last longer.
5 - Don't Dye your hair
Your hair's colour is fine the way it is, but if you want to change your hair colour slightly, try to use natural methods.
For example; to lighten your hair, mix one part lemon juice with one part water (to reduce the acidity), and use a spray bottle to apply it to your hair. To increase the results you can leave it on for longer, or take a good book outside, and sit in the sun.
To add red tones to your hair, try henna. Although I haven't ever henna'd my hair myself, I have done some research, and would recommend the
Lush Henna, which comes in four tones, Rouge, Brun, Marron, and Noir.
... And if all else fails, don't forget, it's just hair! and hair grows back.
Don't forget to leave me any requests in the comments below,
Minuette
xx
